UPCAT 2024: What to expect on exam day
Now that there's only about a month left to prepare for UPCAT, or the University of the Philippines College Admission Test, you may be thinking of the final steps you can take to feel prepared.
This June 3 and 4, incoming freshmen who applied for the UPCAT will take the exam in over 102 test centers nationwide.
As a leading state university, the admission test—which consists of four subtests: Language Proficiency and Reading Comprehension (both in English and Filipino), Science, and Mathematics—often has nearly or over a hundred thousand examinees nationwide, but only a small percentage of its takers will be admitted due to its limited slots to maintain its “high quality of education.”
To get you ready, continue reading below to know what happens on the day of the exam up until the release of results.
Things to bring
Before leaving the house, make sure you have everything with you. However, only bring the necessary items such as your test permit, school ID (or any valid government-issued ID), two good-quality pencils, a sharpener, and a rubber eraser. Note though that the use of mobile phones, calculating devices, and/or cameras during the test is strictly prohibited, so make sure to leave those at home or in your bag.
Since the whole exam will take about five hours, you may also bring snacks that can easily be eaten—just don't bring food that will cause a distraction to others like chicharon!
Taking the test
On the exam day, go to your designated test center which can be found on your test permit. The morning session is scheduled for 6:30 a.m., while the afternoon session will start at 12 noon.
Here's a tip: If you're having a hard time with one question, move on to the next and come back to it after. The key here is not to be overwhelmed. Just stay calm, read instructions carefully and understand what you're supposed to do.
Waiting for the results
The release of the result often takes months, but when D-day comes, go to this page and use the same email account you used for the application to view the result.
According to the university, the UPG/admission score is calculated by combining the UPCAT scores and your final grades in Grades 8 to 11.
If you qualify for admission to the University, register according to the instructions provided by the college or unit to which you have been accepted.
Filing for an appeal
In case you did not meet the required admission score into your chosen degree and/or the campus of your choice, the UPCAT portal will provide you with access to the DIWA Portal.
Here, you will see degree programs with available slots and/or UP campuses that you are qualified to apply to. To log in, use the same email address and password you used for the application to input your two chosen degree programs and/or a UP campus.
Keep in mind though that some campuses may not be open to appeals, and there may be additional criteria in processing your appeals in each campus.
If the appeal is successful, you will need to accept or decline the given slot within the declared deadline.
